Tally Prime is a computer game developed by Sega for the Sega Saturn. It was released in Japan in 1997, with English versions appearing later in the year. In its early stages, Tally Prime was developed to be an arcade-style game. But it was soon realized that its potential for sales was much greater than it was understood.
The game's graphics were designed to be visually appealing, and its storyline, although simplistic in nature, does not have a supernatural or fantasy element. But like many games designed for the Sega Saturn, Tally Prime does not require a large amount of programming knowledge. It can be enjoyed by gamers of all ages, from those who do not know much about programming, to those who are quite capable of making modifications, and for those who already have some experience with creating games.
In Tally Prime, the player plays a computer called the Tally Prime. He or she is tasked with collecting as much data as possible, which is located in several hidden "maps". The Tally Prime's goal is to accumulate as many points as possible. The main objective of the game is to solve various puzzles, collect items, and ultimately reach the end of the game. There are three levels to the game; each level contains a different type of puzzle, and involves a different set of objects. Each level requires the Tally Prime to find, locate, or use certain items, while avoiding the obstacles that are in the way of doing so.
Tally Prime is played by first moving to the center of the screen and then pressing the start button. The player is provided with a grid on the left-hand side of the screen, which is used to manipulate the Tally Prime. Tally Prime uses a joystick to move his head from one side of the screen to the other and view various items and objects that are in the other screens. The object that is to be manipulated is placed in an indicated position on the grid and is then moved around by the Tally Prime.
To manipulate the object, Tally Prime must place it onto the grid in a specific position. The more objects placed onto the grid, the higher the score that is being attained. To play a level, all objects must be placed in a single location on the grid, and there should be no other objects in the room that will impede the progress of the Tally Prime. as he moves around. After a level is complete, the Tally Prime is given the option to continue where he left off or move to another room or begin anew at the next level.
There are two modes of play in Tally Prime: the basic mode and the "Time Attack" mode. In the basic mode, the player will spend a fixed amount of time on each level, depending on the difficulty level. The player will not lose any lives during this mode. The player will also be able to choose between playing as the red or the green Tally Prime, depending on which color represents the opposite of his character.